PITHORAGARH, India — Mongolian and Indian armed forces have launched the 18th edition of their joint military exercise, "Nomadic Elephant 2026," in Uttarakhand, India aiming to deepen tactical cooperation and enhance interoperability between the two partner nations.

The two-week exercise, running from September 21 to October 3, is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh. Conducted annually and held alternately between Mongolia and India, the platoon-level exercise follows the previous 17th edition held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May–June 2025.

Focus on UN Mandates and Modern Warfare

A total of 90 military personnel—represented equally with 45 troops each from the Mongolian Armed Forces and the Indian Army —are participating in the joint maneuvers.

The primary objective of Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 is to build joint operational capabilities for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.

Key training modules throughout the 13-day exercise include:

• Tactical Drills: Cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and refinement of operational techniques.
• Airborne Operations: Special heliborne operations simulated in realistic operational scenarios.
• Modern Combat Technologies: Operational employment of drones, deployment of counter-drone systems, and dedicated cyber security training.

Strengthening Strategic and Bilateral Ties

The training program serves as a platform for both armies to exchange field-level experience, share best practices, and refine joint operational procedures in challenging environments.

According to official military sources, the 2026 edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant reflects the continuing growth of defense engagement between Mongolia and India, aimed at reinforcing long-standing bilateral friendship, building operational coordination, and fostering mutual trust.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2313046®=48&lang=2